Salambo Blog

Living in Rome

The not so secret view of St Peter’s cupola

One of the most famous view of St Peter’s can be seen through a tiny keyhole at the Priory of the Knights of Malta on the Aventine hill. Looking through … Continue reading

July 29, 2011 · Leave a comment

Borromini’s disconcerting prospective

Borromini was one of the most creative architects of the Baroque era in Rome, both in terms of style and technical innovations. He designed numerous buildings and churches which have … Continue reading

July 13, 2011 · Leave a comment

Hidden treasures at Trinita dei Monti

The church of La Trinità dei Monti on top of the Spanish steps is famous for its unequal position overlooking the centre of Rome. It is one of the most … Continue reading

July 4, 2011 · 1 Comment

Raffaello at Villa Farnesina

Raffaello was the darling of Rome. According to the art historian Giorgio Vasari, he had such a pleasant personnality that he charmed everybody who counted in the Vatican, except perhaps … Continue reading

May 5, 2011 · Leave a comment

Bramante’s perfect proportions

Hidden in the small cloister of St Pietro in Montorio on the Janiculum hill, Bramante’s Tempietto (little temple) is considered as the High-Renaissance masterpiece encompassing all the ideals and ideas … Continue reading

April 14, 2011 · Leave a comment

The Caravaggio enigma

The early 17th century painter, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, was somewhat rediscovered in the 20th century, when he became highly fashionable again. His dark and powerful style of painting corresponded … Continue reading

March 25, 2011 · Leave a comment

Open doors at Rome’s most prestigious palace

Many of Rome’s best palaces remain closed to the public most of the time. This is the case in particular with the Palazzo Farnese, prestigious seat of the French embassy … Continue reading

March 22, 2011 · 1 Comment

Patron saint turning beauty icon?

Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of music and choir singing, is particularly famous in Rome, her city of birth where she suffered martyrdom. One of Rome’s most renowned orchestra and choir … Continue reading

February 6, 2011 · Leave a comment

a special place to enjoy art: the galleria Borghese

I recently went back to the Galleria Borghese, one of my favourite museums in Rome, to see a temporary exhibition of 16th century German painter Lucas Cranach, the Elder. Needless … Continue reading

January 11, 2011 · Leave a comment

More Borromini

November 30, 2010 · Leave a comment